2009 has been a exceptionally busy one on the advocacy front. Our advocacy initiatives, important in favorable economic times, take on an even greater sense of importance in more challenging economic times such as this.

We remain committed to working on behalf of all Chamber members to ensure that our elected officials -- on the local, state and federal levels -- are sensitive and responsive to the needs of the business community.

Among the many issues that we have taken an advocacy position on in 2009 are the following:

• Continue to oppose Racetrack Slots
  
  
• Continue to support the NextGen Aviation Research and Technology Park at the FAA Tech Center
  
  
• Continue to support of the Atlantic City Regional Transportation Plan
  
  
• Support of air service expansion at AC International Airport
  
  
• Advocate for inclusion of Atlantic City in the Neighborhood Revitalization Tax Credit Program
  
  
• Advocate for inclusion of Atlantic City in the Urban Transit Hub Tax Credit Program
  
  
• First business organization to oppose the 2.5 percent COAH developer’s fee. Our leadership on this issue resulted in a provision of the State Senate and Assembly Economic Stimulus measures to suspend this fee.
  
  
• Continue to oppose the Employee Free Choice Act and partner with South Jersey Chamber on an EFCA informational workshop
  
  
• Supported regulatory changes to the Casino Control Act, which will result in cost savings to the industry
  
  
• Supported the Boardwalk Committee’s proposal to lower height of the sand dunes on Atlantic City beaches to enhance the visitor experience on the boardwalk.
  
  
• Supported legislation that will enable Atlantic City beach bars to remain standing year-round, resulting in substantial savings to the business owners
  
  
• Supported and facilitated workforce housing in Atlantic City

Transportation

• AC International Airport Announces More New Service

  Atlantic City International Airport will soon have yet another new air service land at their gates. WESTJET, the number one ranked airline in Canada, will now connect to ACY. Round trip service to Toronto will be offered from ACY on WESTJET airlines for as low as $79.00 each way starting on October 22, 2009. This comes on the heels of recently launched service from Atlantic City International Airport on AirTran to and from Atlanta and Orlando, and on Spirit Airlines to and from Boston.

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News and Views

• Six ways to head off economic disaster in Atlantic City

  Former executive director of the Casino Reinvestment Development Authority James Kennedy recently authored a thoughtful commentary that appeared as a guest column in The Press of Atlantic City regarding six things Atlantic City must do to effectively address the economic downturn and position itself for future growth and success.  To read more, click here.
  
  

• Competition across the river / Atlantic City needs a game plan for the future

  The Press of Atlantic City also weighed in on the need for a game plan for Atlantic City's future on their editorial page. To read more, click here.
  
  

• Senator Whelan's view on racetrack slots

  State Senator James Whelan recently authored a response to Assemblyman Joseph Cryan's guest editorial in the Asbury Park Press advocating the expansion of gaming to New Jersey's racetracks. To read more, click here.
  
  

• CANJ endorses AC Regional Transportation Plan

  In his monthly column for Casino Connection magazine, Casino Association of NJ President Joseph Corbo affirmed the casino industry's support for the Atlantic City Regional Transportation Plan. To read more, click here.